November Blind Coloradan

 

Blind Coloradoan Blog

November 18, 2022

Writer, Aggregator: Kevan Worley.
Contributors: Dan Burke & Erin Daley. With assistance from Lisa Bonderson, National Federation Of The Blind Of Colorado, and President, Jessica Beecham. Email, jbbeecham@gmail.com

Here is what you need to know

The 68th convention of The National Federation of the Blind Of Colorado found Jessica Beecham presiding. This was her first convention serving as our president.  Here Dan Burke captured President Beecham as she brought down the gavel to adjourn what was, by all accounts, a tremendously successful state convention.

The Greeley convention featured informative, entertaining content appealing to many blind and low-vision community segments. There were sessions of importance to families and professionals working in the education and rehabilitation field. Activities ranged from martial arts to education, the division of vocational rehabilitation, tactile graphics, and the urgent need for a variety of improvements in more accessible transportation for the blind across the state. National representative Ever Lee Hairston, California, during the banquet, gave a soul-stirring address. Earlier in the day, she provided a robust report on the various initiatives undertaken by the National Center for the Blind, The Jernigan Institute, and federation affiliates.

Jessica Beecham’s inaugural presidential report hinged on The National Federation of the Blind's brand values as she recounted our membership's successes, challenges, and efforts. The report was informative and energizing. We will be posting items from the report in future blogs.

Members of the organization adopted four resolutions. These were powerful policy statements designed to further inform our work in the months and years ahead. (Note, the complete text of our resolutions will be posted to our website soon distributed to the appropriate authorities and organizations end note) Resolution 22-01 Regarding Inappropriate Use of DVR’s Training Justification Form, Resolution 22-01 Regarding funding from the general assembly to enhance the viability of Colorado’s Business Enterprise Program, Resolution 22-03 Regarding safety hazards posed by electric scooters, and Resolution 22-04 Regarding the use of ride share services with paratransit.

One of the highlights of this year’s federation family reunion found groups of members dining at various restaurants downtown. Breaking bread brings family together. Maureen Nietfeld brought this to life. Members were encouraged to RSVP in advance to group leaders. These leaders were assigned specific restaurants. JJ Aragon, Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant. Cody Bair & Nate Hecker, The G.O.A.T. Sports Bar. Julie Deden, Dan Burke & Scott LaBarre, Santeramo’s Pizza House. ReNae Anderson & Sandy Schleich, Lunas Tacos and Tequila. Brett Boyer & Eliza Portugal, The Annex at WeldWerks. Gary Van Dorn & Maryanne Migliorelli, Meeker’s, A Colorado Kitchen (hotel restaurant).

There is much more to report about our 68^th convention. The great support from our Greeley Chapter. At the banquet, we heard beautiful and compelling poetry from author Jo Elizabeth Pinto. The diversity of door prizes and auction items added some extra spice. Special thanks goes to our door prize and hunter-gathers Brenda and Rodney Tashiro. We extend a thank you to all of our presenters, sponsors, and contributors. Putting together a successful convention is a testament to our love, spirit, and advocacy. Like the organized blind movement itself. It’s individual actions collectively focused.

President Beecham reports that our 69^th convention will be held at the Denver South Marriot at Park Meadows on October 26, 27, 28, and 29.

 

Colorado Center for the Blind Part of Colorado Gives Day, Dec. 6!

Dear reader, urgent action is required. As you know, the chief program of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado is our very own life-changing work being done at our Colorado Center for the Blind.

Once again, the Colorado Center for the Blind is part of Colorado Gives Day, Colorado’s biggest giving event of the year! Last year, by the way, was our biggest year yet with Colorado Gives Day, and we are hopeful this year will be even better!

Why Colorado Gives Day? Because there is a $1 Million Incentive Fund, and we receive a percentage of that fund based on our percentage of the overall giving on Dec. 6. But you can schedule your giving right now, and have it roll over on Dec. 6. All of this can be done at https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/CoCenter

And pass it along that the Colorado Gives Day is a great place to put part of your giving budget this year!

 

Holdens honored with the Raymond W McGeorge Award

From the aggregator: Please allow me a personal reflection. One of the high points of my life was when my late wife Bridget and I were presented the Raymond W McGeorge award in 2014. It is an honor to be considered in the same class as our Aurora Chapter members and Senior leaders, Dale and Edith Holden. Ray McGeorge was the first president of this affiliate. He, along with his wife and current state board member Diane McGeorge was the founder, the builder, the heart and soul of The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado. His leadership was steady, firm, and loving. There has been no better representative of our movement in Colorado than Raymond W McGeorge. I was contemplating what to write about this year’s honorees. Then I received a response to my query on Colorado Talk asking for convention reflections. As usual, the Holdens responded. Here is what they have to say in tribute.

Greetings to The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado:

The Holdens would like to extend a great big thank you to the National Federation of the blind of Colorado and all of their members for honoring us with the Raymond W McGeorge award. This was not expected and was a huge surprise to both of us. We want to extend our appreciation and gratefulness to all who had their fingers in that presentation and selection. As said during the presentation, Edith went to the Colorado Center for the Blind by herself for the first time because I was too proud and in denial or just didn’t believe that it would help me. When the second week came up, I think I beat her to the car because I did want to go and learn because it sounded like I really did need the learning. Over the past 13 years, we have attended a lot of senior support meetings, state conventions, and I did participate for two years in the seniors in charge program. We have also participated in National Conventions.  I could not believe how many blind people would go to those meetings, but I do now, and I do respect the need to be there. I would like to extend one more thank you to everybody and wish you all the ability to Live the Life You Want because that is what we are doing!  We love each and every one of you.

 Edith and Dale Holden

 

Blind History lady to participate as Zoom room exhibitor at upcoming Accessible Pharmacy event

From the aggregator: We received the following from Peggy Chong

Friday, December 2, 2022, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time

The Blind History Lady will have a Zoom Room to talk about the importance to our mental health in knowing the history of blindness. Come listen to her stories and ask questions.

Are you losing your sight and think no blind person has ever been employed in your field? You might be surprised.

 To register to attend and check out our booth, please visit:

https://www.accessiblepharmacy.com/blind-health-expo/

 

Chip send off from CCB

From Dan Burke

As those of us who were at the convention or were Zoomed in heard, Chip Johnson is retiring from the Colorado Center for the Blind as of Dec. 16. Chip has been teaching Technology at CCB since 2000, so he’s taught twenty-two years of students, and that comes to a lot of students! The Center has planned two send-off parties – one will be in person on Dec. 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. We’ll be serving dinner, so an RSVP will be required.

The second will be a Zoom event on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Look for announcements of both in the next couple of days which will include links to RSVP for the in-person event, and the Zoom info for Dec. 6.

 

Pizza, Pumpkin Pies, and Parents

By: Chaz Davis

From the aggregator: Blind and low-vision children need friends who are like them. Young people with whom they can just have fun and bounce ideas and techniques for success and social life. Parents and siblings of blind youth benefit from building relationships with other families. As we have just concluded a very successful state convention, we move forward with all of our dynamic activities. Chaz Davis facilitates much of this work at our Colorado Center for the Blind with the support of our Denver chapter. We received the following from Chaz. We hope you will take note, sign up and share with other teachers and families.

Join us at the Colorado Center for the Blind for an afternoon of pizza, Thanksgiving dessert-making, and other fun activities (like eating the pies)!

When: Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 12:00 PM-4:00 PM

Where: Colorado Center for the Blind, 2233 W Shepperd Ave. Littleton, CO 80120

What: Blind young people, parents of blind children, and volunteer assistants from the community will have the opportunity to dine on some pizza, prepare desserts in the kitchen, and take part in some fun activities. The event will occur after the NFB of Denver Chapter meeting, which all are invited to attend starting at 10:00 a.m.

After a lunch of pizza to get ourselves fueled up for the afternoon's activities. Blind youth and family members will have the option of preparing and baking homemade apple crisp, pumpkin pie, or pecan pie. Attendees will learn some of the fundamentals of successfully working in the kitchen as a blind person. Everyone, blind or sighted and will be able to use learning shades while working in the kitchen to reinforce the understanding of non-visual techniques and concepts. It's a great way for everyone in the family to learn some of the nonvisual tricks that thousands of blind adults use every day to live successful, independent lives!

For parents: Other parents are one of the most critical resources you can learn about, not to mention to learn from! Amira Lucas, the president of the Colorado Organization of Parents of Blind Children [COPBC], will hold a meeting for existing and prospective members during this event. If you are a parent of a blind child and are interested in receiving helpful resources, becoming more involved in the community, potentially joining/becoming more active in the organization, or just looking for other parents to talk to, we encourage you to RSVP for this fun, informative event!

https://cocenter.org/civicrm/event/register/?id=101&reset=1

Have you liked our Facebook page? Please do! Like, read, respond and share.

https://www.facebook.com/National-Federation-of-the-Blind-of-Colorado-NFB-CO-326986067377559

 

It's time for the tactile art show with CCB and students at Arapahoe Community College!

From Dan Burke

Art created by students from the Colorado Center for the Blind and ACC art students now through December 6

The Colorado Gallery of the Arts, located on the first floor of the ACC Annex building on the Littleton Campus.

 

Ann Cunningham receives Everest Award

By Kevan Worley

Many a blind child, adult CCB Center students, federation members and national leaders have enjoyed this amazing piece of tactile art. Ann Cunningham painstakingly researched and made this extraordinary piece. It was unveiled at the Colorado Center for the Blind’s 25th-anniversary celebrations. Many fingers, heads, and hearts have enjoyed this beautiful rendering of Colorado’s Front Range.

If you read the above announcement, you know that our CCB students have collaborated with ACC art students. It is likely that this kind of artistic synergy between blind and sighted students would never have come to pass without our long-time artist/teacher in residence Ann Cunningham. A strong argument could be made that the most influential tactile artist, teacher, and innovator has been Ann Cunningham. At our recent state convention, Ann was honored with our NFBCO Everest Award. There is no doubt that Ann has inspired us to reach new heights and broaden our horizons. She has touched our spirits and inspired our creativity. More blind and non-blind people are learning that art can be made accessible and experienced by all. Hugs all around! Picture of Julie Deden, Executive director of Colorado Center for the Blind, and Everest honoree Ann Cunningham holding her plaque.

Auction raises almost $11,000 for NFBCO programs

With dozens of donated items on the auction block this year, we were treated to fun, drama, and fundraising success. Two of the most coveted items were the miniTREAD from Onthemuv. https://onthemuv.com/ And a gorgeous and practical tumbler set from Dot Shop.

NFB Congratulates the people of our reborn Fort Collins area chapter

We are excited to report that we have a new northern Colorado chapter. The effort is being led by long-time federation member Penn Street and Colorado State University student Robert Lamm. We look forward to reporting more about this energetic group in blogs to come.

 

Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind hold the annual White Cane Awareness Day Celebration

Again, this year, our friends at CSDB held a White Cane Awareness Day event in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs at Acacia Park. Children sang, the Bulldog Band played, and principal Jamie Lugo spoke of the importance of White Cane Awareness Day. This year there were sponsors to support the event, including the purchasing of hoodies for some who could not afford them. The hoodies read Explore, Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, White Cane Awareness Day. The Downtown Lions Club, the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado, and Worley Enterprises were sponsors. The Colorado Springs community is proud of our school. NFBCO member Martin Becerra-Miranda serves with distinction on the CSDB board.

 

A thank you note from the president of the National Federation of the Blind

“Our success is due to the collective wisdom of our gathered community. The hearts and hands of our leaders, who have made personal sacrifices for the greater good, make all of the difference. I thank each and every one of you for pouring your energy and imagination into our organization. Your efforts make a huge difference, and I cannot thank you enough.”

Marc A. Riccobono

 

My back page

By Kevan Worley

I have enjoyed working with the team to put together our Blind Coloradan for several years. Occasionally I write an article. I recognize that often the philosophy of the federation provided in these posts often has your aggregator’s spin. But I often have more to say about the work we are doing. That won’t surprise any reader. In this issue, I announce My Back Page. This will be a regular column by me. It may be silly or sublime. It may be entertaining or controversial. Maybe all of the above. I hope it will be founded firmly on the philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado. It will focus on observations of our work and profiles of our people and partners. In this, my first back page column, I simply want to express thanks. Thanksgiving happens to be maybe my most favorite holiday. It’s a day set aside, in my judgment, simply to express gratitude. Of course, there is food, family, football, and travel. But for me, it’s a moment to express joy. Some who don’t know us have actually wondered out loud “how can you be thankful for life you are tragically blind.” We say with great gusto and zest for life. We can live the lives we want. We can get the training we need. We can work for change in the world. We can cook the turkey and enjoy the pie, and we can offer profound appreciation and a hearty thank you to our members and all the fellow travelers who make finding the joy possible. The family of the federation is truly a joyful thing for which I offer thanks. KW

Kevan Worley with German Sheppard Onyx stands in front of Colorado Springs City Hall on a sunny fall day.